The British Academy Postdoctoral Fellowship 2026–27 outline round is closed. Applications and institutional approval were due September 30, 2026, at 17:00 BST. The scheme supports three years of humanities or social-science research at an eligible UK host. The second stage in 2027 is invitation-only, not a new opening for applicants who missed the outline deadline.
Current competition timetable
The official scheme page marks the round closed. The 2026–27 scheme notes confirm the outline deadline and subsequent stages.
| Stage | Published timing |
|---|---|
| Outline submission | Closed September 30, 2026 |
| Outline outcome | January 2027 |
| Second stage opens | January 13, 2027; invited applicants |
| Second-stage deadline | February 17, 2027 |
| Final outcome | End of June 2027 |
| Earliest project start | September 1, 2027 |
Value, employment and duration
The award is non-renewable and tenable for three years. Fellows are employees of their host institutions. The Academy funds 80% of relevant full economic costs; the notes provide separate research-expense support up to £10,000 over the three years.
That research-expense limit is not the fellow’s entire salary package. Salary and employment conditions depend on the host and approved award. Discuss costing with the research office if invited to the second stage rather than treating the programme as a fixed student stipend.
For your own planning, distinguish employment income from project resources. Identify the research activities that require travel, materials or access to collections, and explain their role in the proposed output. Do not put personal living costs into a research-expense estimate without a permitted basis.
Who was eligible for this round?
The programme concerns early-career humanities and social-science researchers. Current rules specify citizenship or a qualifying UK doctorate or strong prior UK academic association, suitable postdoctoral status, and restrictions on previous permanent academic appointments.
The advertised viva window for this round is April 1, 2024–April 1, 2027. Detailed exemptions and eligibility questions must be checked with the Academy. Do not assume these cycle-specific dates automatically carry into the next competition.
If preparing for a later round, keep a clear record of your viva, doctorate, appointments and any relevant interruptions. Resolve uncertain eligibility with the provider before asking a host to spend time on a full proposal.
Host institution, mentor and referee
A suitable UK university or recognised research organisation hosts the fellowship. The application also needs a mentor and an independent referee meeting the scheme’s restrictions. The scheme page excludes the proposed mentor, doctoral supervisor, internal examiner and someone at the proposed host from acting as the self-nominated referee.
Discuss why the host is appropriate for the research: relevant expertise, resources, mentoring and the community in which the work will develop. A famous department name alone does not explain that fit.
Contact a potential referee early and confirm they can complete the confidential form. Give them the scheme information and an accurate outline of your project. Their statement must be their own assessment.
What the outline application involves
The notes describe an outline submission covering experience, publications and the research proposal, followed by institutional approval. Detailed costings belong to the later stage. Read the official guidance directory for the current scheme and application instructions.
A strong research outline identifies a scholarly question, a justified method and a feasible publishable output. Explain what your project contributes beyond existing work. If using creative practice, show the scholarly rationale rather than relying only on the proposed activity.
Use a timeline that includes access to sources, analysis and writing. Identify dependencies you cannot control and a practical alternative if access is delayed. These planning suggestions help clarify feasibility; they do not add new eligibility requirements.
What to do now
Applicants who submitted should monitor official communication about the outline outcome. Proceed to the second stage only if invited, and follow the invitation’s instructions. New applicants should await the next officially announced round and its updated criteria.
Keep a copy of the submitted application and any correspondence. If preparing future work, review your research case and possible host arrangement, but do not claim a future deadline has been announced before it appears in official guidance.
Related UK funding
See the Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship, EPSRC mathematics route and Commonwealth Master’s guide. Their disciplines and purposes differ.
Frequently asked questions
Can anyone enter the January second stage?
No. It is invitation-only.
Is this an undergraduate award?
No. It is a postdoctoral research fellowship.
Are next-round dates confirmed here?
No. Wait for the provider’s next announcement.